Peter Smul manages Security Choice, which acquires customers for ADT Security Services. Prior to joining Red Ventures in 2006, he served as the chief operating officer of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats franchise. He joined the Bobcats organization as chief financial officer in 2003 after spending over eight years in the NBA league office in a variety of roles. Most recently he was vice president, league development. Prior to his work with the NBA, Peter worked at Mercer Management Consulting and Credit Suisse First Boston. He received his bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics from Yale University and his MBA from the Harvard Business School.
What sparked your interest in Red Ventures? My desire to work in a fast-paced, results-driven business and to be surrounded by smart, energetic, hard-working people who don't take themselves too seriously.
What do you remember most about your interview process? I spent a week in the office being a fly on the wall, attending various meetings with different groups of people. I was introduced to everyone as "Peter, he's a friend of the company." The kicker was that nobody thought that was odd. I learned a ton about the company during that week and joined Red Ventures shortly afterwards.
What made you realize Red Ventures was the place for you? During my interview process, Ric, Dan and Mark (the partners) were incredibly open, direct and candid about the business. It was clear that they had a common strategic vision and were going to be a demanding, but fun group to work with.
What is the best part about working at Red Ventures?The people, the people, the people. We have a good time at work every single day.
How has your career progressed during your time at Red Ventures? I joined Red Ventures with limited experience in direct marketing and have been able to grow my knowledge base tremendously, while contributing to the business in other ways.
When is the last time you laughed out loud at work? When I saw the poster of Rodney's face superimposed on the maid's body. Rodney (who is not a sales agent) lost a bet that he could outperform our Miami sales center in DirecTV sales for a day. Rodney's payment was that he had to "serve" the Miami office for a day.
What did you wear to work today? Jeans and a sweater
Where did you go on your last great vacation -OR- What are you doing this weekend? I went skiing with my family at Copper Mountain, CO. It was my mother's 65th birthday and my parents and siblings and their families all went. We had great skiing and a great time.